Gambia, Spain to sign new trade agreement

BANJUL, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Spain and Gambia will sign a new agreement on trade and infrastructure to boost economy in the West African nation and the EU member state, according to Antonio Sanchez Benedito, Spanish ambassador at large for the Sahel region.

"We will sign the new agreement that boost the economy of both the Gambia and Spain in the near future," as Spain knows the potential Gambia has in terms of developing economic development and maintaining peace and stability in the region, the envoy told Xinhua on Thursday.

Benedito is on a visit to seek Gambia's support for their bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2015.

On Wednesday, the envoy had a closed-door meeting with Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh.

"Yes I was at the state house on Wednesday to meet with the Gambian leader and we have a fruitful discussion on wide range of issues ranging from regional peace, security and economic development," Benedito said.

"We also seek Gambia's support in our bid to the UN Security Council for 2015 to 2016, since we know Gambia's potential in peace and stability in the region," the Spanish envoy disclosed.

Spain has provided support for Gambia in agriculture, other development programs and fight against illegal migration in recent years.

Thousands of youths from Gambia and other African countries ventured a clandestine journey in the past years to Spain and other European destinations seeking better life, but many lost their lives in the voyage.